48 PRACTICAL PLANT PROPAGATION 



their power to germinate. Many seeds will show sound germs which, 

 for some reason, will not have the power to germinate. 



The result of extensive germination tests has developed that 

 most conifer seeds will respond to the treatment and show a suffi- 

 cient germination in 30 days to determine the quality of the seed. 

 Some varieties, however, with hard shells like Pinus Cembra and 

 Pinus Coulteri, require from 100 to 200 days to show their growing 

 power. 



THE TREATMENT OF SEED 



Now, after we have secured our yearly requirements, in each 

 and every variety of conifer seed to take care of our annual planting, 

 we have reached the point where it is necessary to give some thought 

 to the treatment of seeds before planting. The method of sowing 

 and more especially the treatment of seeds before sowing is of great 

 importance. Generally speaking, the practice of causing the various 

 seeds to germinate before being sown will insure the successful cul- 

 ture of many varieties which, without treatment, are almost im- 

 possible to grow. 



Steeping, sweating and stratifying are the various methods 

 used to force the seeds to germinate. However, I will say from my 

 experience in the handling and treatment of conifer seeds requiring 

 treatment to force germination, that I prefer the slow stratification 

 treatment to the quicker methods of applying artificial heat, which, 

 together with moisture, causes steeping and sweating to stimulate 

 rapid germination. 



The usual method of stratifying seeds is to mix the seed with 

 sand or soil, with a sufficient amount of moisture added to prevent 

 drying. Store the seeds thus treated in a bin for a sufficient length 

 of time to allow the germ to become well started. There is seldom 

 danger of loss from seeds that have started growth in the stratifi- 

 cation bin. 



Through the skillful handling of the seed before sowing it is 

 possible to obtain. maximum results with a minimum of seed, which 

 is the secret of the successful culture of nearly all varieties of conifers 

 by experienced propagators. Many varieties of conifer seeds require 

 a short period of treatment to prepare them properly for planting, 

 while some varieties require a slow, careful treatment, lasting 

 several months. Make frequent tests of the seed in the stratifica- 

 tion bin; cut the seed lengthwise and examine carefully with a 

 powerful glass. This will show you exactly what is taking place; if 

 the germ is developing too rapidly, it may be necessary to remove 



